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About Psychosis

Psychosis Signs and Symptoms

The term “psychosis” describes conditions that affect the mind, causing a loss of contact with reality or trouble deciding what is real and what is not. Psychosis can change a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Periods when symptoms are more intense or frequent are called episodes. The Mental Health Act guides some aspects of psychiatric assessment in Ontario. Learn about legal considerations when supporting a loved one who does not want help.
Download our printable psychosis information sheet:

Common Symptoms of Psychosis

Common symptoms of psychosis feel very real and include hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), paranoia, or disorganized thoughts and speech. Other symptoms may include:

  • A significant change in “normal” personality or mood for a sustained period of time.
  • Changes in body movements, restlessness, or agitation.
  • Severe changes in sleep patterns or sleep disturbances.
  • Preoccupation with strange or unusual ideas.
  • Overpersonalizing events, songs, TV, and social media (having special meaning directed to the individual).

Information sheet can be downloaded from below:

Road to Recovery

It can be difficult to pinpoint when someone has “recovered,” partly because each person who has experienced psychosis will define recovery in their own way. Recovery is usually defined by reduced symptoms and improved quality of life (in ways that are meaningful to the person). Recovery is a process that is assessed by the individual in collaboration with their health care providers, and their family members or loved ones.

Because everyone experiences psychosis differently, recovery time depends on the individual.

 

  • Some people recover quickly from an episode of psychosis, returning to their day-to-day activities without much ongoing support or treatment.

 

  • Some people require more time to recover and may return to their day-to-day activities gradually, needing ongoing support for a longer period of time.

 

Typically, recovery from a first episode of psychotic symptoms will take a number of months or longer. Recovery also involves treating related challenges such as depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and difficulty in social situations, which can take time.

It is common for young people experiencing psychosis for the first time to be reluctant to get help. It can take some time for someone to come around to accepting help. They might:

 

  • Fear the stigma of having a mental illness

 

  • Be concerned about certain types of treatment

 

  • Believe their symptoms will go away without help

 

Recovery can be very difficult without treatment. Having the help of mental health professionals can greatly improve your recovery experience. Treatment helps people living with psychosis to manage their episodes and maintain their everyday lives.

Mythbusting is a Part of Recovery

Click to reveal the Facts
MYTH: Psychosis is the result of bad parenting.

FACT: Most experts agree that genetics, substance use, stress, and other risk factors may lead to psychosis.

MYTH: People with psychosis are lazy.

FACT: Psychosis is a medical disorder that affects the brain. Like any other injury, the brain needs to heal. This might mean that the person sleeps a lot, not that they’re lazy.

MYTH: People with psychosis are “stupid”.

FACT: The person’s learning difficulties may be due to the illness, not a lack of intelligence.

MYTH: Psychosis results from a personality weakness or character flaw.

FACT: Psychosis has nothing to do with being weak. It results from changes in the way the brain works. Medication and psychosocial therapies can help.

MYTH: People with a psychotic illness are dangerous and violent. They’re psychopaths.

FACT: Having psychosis and being a psychopath are not the same. People who a suffer from psychosis are rarely violent. They’re more often frightened, confused and despondent.